The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 9, Umuahia, Mr. Kanayo Uzuegbu, has noted that the grip of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB) on communities in the Southeast is weakening.
He made this known during an official visit to the Ebonyi State Police Command in Abakaliki.
While addressing officers, Uzuegbu said the region was gradually reclaiming its peace, as the activities of the group had reduced significantly. According to him, residents of the Southeast should no longer live in fear and must continue with their daily routines without worrying about attacks or intimidation.
“I came here to interface with them, to build their capacity, to build their confidence. I want to thank them,” he said, referring to the officers under his jurisdiction.
He also used the opportunity to caution police officers in the state against any misconduct that could tarnish the image of the Nigeria Police Force. Uzuegbu stressed that the police must carry out their duties professionally and in line with the law.
“Our police job is a law established by the constitution. We have a fundamental duty to do,” he stated. He warned that unethical practices, such as extorting road users and abusing power, were unacceptable and would be dealt with accordingly.
He noted that the efforts of security forces have led to the dismantling of several IPoB camps and that their operations have been heavily disrupted. “We have most of their enclaves overran and dismantled them,” he said.
Uzuegbu added that many of the fears surrounding IPoB’s presence were now exaggerated and largely imagined. He said that the force would continue its operations against any remaining threats and would not hesitate to respond forcefully if needed.
“When we go against them, we will raid all of them, carry our war against any of them,” he noted.
He encouraged citizens to focus on their livelihoods and not allow fear to stop them from pursuing their normal lives. “People should go and do their job and carry on their businesses,” he said.
Also speaking during the visit, the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, Mrs. Adaku Uche Anya, presented some of the achievements of the command. She noted that their collective efforts have made it possible for residents to sleep peacefully at night.
She assured the visiting AIG that the command under her leadership remains committed to tackling criminal activities in the state and making Ebonyi safer for all.
